RUGBY LEAGUE

Bradford are threatening to take legal action against the Australian club, Sydney Tigers, if they play their New Zealand Test back, Dave Watson, without clearance and compensation. Watson, for whom an arrest warrant has been issued following his failure to appear before Bradford magistrates for a committal hearing on an assault charge, still has contractual obligations to the Odsal team.

Steve Blakeley, the 22-year-old stand-off, has agreed a new 18-month contract with Salford, even though the club missed out on a place in the new Super League.

Keighley have completed the pounds 25,000 signing of the Wigan hooker, Phil Cantillon. He toured Australia with Great Britain's Under-19 squad last year, but has been allowed to leave Central Park after failing to break into Wigan's first team.

Warrington have announced plans to build a 17,000 capacity all-seater stadium near their current Wilderspool headquarters. The club plan to quit Wilderspool, their home since 1883, at the end of the first Super League season next year.

Gateshead are among four new entrants to the Under-19 Academy League. They will join existing professional clubs Carlisle, Highfield and Swinton in the 30-strong league, which will be split up into three 10-club divisions and run from August to mid-January.